“Dead”– no one separated from Christ has true spiritual life. Because everyone has sinned (Rom 3:23) every person is spiritually dead until Christ gives him new life. This death means separation from God’s life and fellowship – 4:18; Isa 59:1-2. See Gen 2:17; John 5:24; Rom 7:5; 8:6; Col 2:13; 1 Tim 5:6; Jam 1:15; 1 John 3:14. This is the reason the new birth is essential for salvation. See John 1:12-13; 3:3-8